Lord Murugan, also known as Skanda, Kartikeya, and Subramanya, is a prominent Hindu deity primarily worshipped in South India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, and regions with significant Tamil populations. He is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and is associated with war, victory, wisdom, and love. Typically depicted as a youthful man riding a peacock and wielding a spear or vel, Lord Murugan is revered as the commander of the celestial army and vanquisher of evil forces.
Lord Murugan is closely linked to six important temples in Tamil Nadu, India, collectively known as Arupadaiveedu. These temples are located in Thiruchendur, Swamimalai, Palani, Thirupparamkunram, Pazhamudircholai, and Thiruthani. Each temple holds unique significance and attracts devotees from around the world seeking Lord Murugan’s blessings.
The worship of Lord Murugan is deeply ingrained in Tamil culture and has been transmitted through generations, forming an essential component of Tamil identity. His popularity among the Tamil community is evident in the fervent devotion and numerous festivals dedicated to him throughout the year.
The significance of Skanda Sashti
The Significance of Skanda Sashti
This festival holds great significance for those who seek to overcome obstacles and challenges in their lives, as Lord Murugan is believed to be the remover of obstacles and the bestower of success.
Celebrations and Rituals
During Skanda Sashti, devotees observe fasting, perform special rituals, and recite prayers and hymns dedicated to Lord Murugan. The festival also includes processions, music, dance, and other cultural performances that celebrate the glory of Lord Murugan. Devotees also visit Murugan temples to offer their prayers and seek the blessings of the deity.
A Time for Spiritual Renewal
Skanda Sashti is a time for spiritual renewal and seeking divine intervention for overcoming difficulties and achieving success in various aspects of life. The festival brings together communities in a spirit of devotion and celebration, fostering a sense of unity and faith among the devotees.
The legend of Skanda Sashti
The legend of Skanda Sashti is rooted in the ancient Hindu scriptures and tells the story of how Lord Murugan vanquished the demon Surapadman to protect the celestial beings and restore peace and order in the universe. According to the legend, Surapadman was a powerful demon who had gained immense strength through severe penance and had become a threat to the gods and sages. Unable to defeat him, the celestial beings sought the help of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati to rid the world of Surapadman’s tyranny.
In response to their prayers, Lord Murugan was created from the divine sparks of Lord Shiva’s third eye and was given the mission to destroy Surapadman. A fierce battle ensued between Lord Murugan and Surapadman, during which the demon took various forms to evade defeat. Finally, on the sixth day of the battle, known as Skanda Sashti, Lord Murugan vanquished Surapadman with his vel (spear) and restored peace to the universe.
The victory of Lord Murugan over Surapadman is celebrated during Skanda Sashti as a triumph of good over evil and a symbol of hope and courage for devotees facing their own personal battles.
Rituals and customs during Skanda Sashti
Skanda Sashti is observed with various rituals and customs that are believed to invoke the blessings of Lord Murugan and seek his protection and guidance. One of the most important customs during Skanda Sashti is fasting, where devotees abstain from consuming food for a period of six days or at least on the sixth day, known as Soorasamharam. Fasting is considered a form of self-discipline and devotion that purifies the body and mind and strengthens one’s connection with the divine.
Devotees also engage in reciting prayers, hymns, and scriptures dedicated to Lord Murugan, such as Kanda Shasti Kavasam and Thiruppugazh, which extol the virtues and glory of the deity. Special pujas (ritual worship) are performed at Murugan temples, where offerings such as fruits, flowers, incense, and lamps are made to seek the blessings of Lord Murugan. Processions featuring idols of Lord Murugan are carried out in various parts of South India, accompanied by music, dance, and devotional songs that create a festive atmosphere.
Another important ritual during Skanda Sashti is carrying out Kavadi Attam, where devotees carry a kavadi (a wooden or metal structure adorned with peacock feathers) on their shoulders as an offering to Lord Murugan. The kavadi symbolizes the burden of sins and obstacles that devotees carry, and by offering it to Lord Murugan, they seek his grace to overcome their challenges. The kavadi bearers often undergo intense physical and mental preparations before carrying out this ritual as an act of penance and devotion.
Celebrations and festivities
Skanda Sashti is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm by devotees of Lord Murugan, who come together to honor the deity’s victory over evil forces. The festival is marked by colorful processions featuring idols of Lord Murugan adorned with flowers, jewels, and garments. Devotees sing devotional songs and chant hymns praising the glory of Lord Murugan as they accompany the procession through the streets.
Music and dance performances are also an integral part of Skanda Sashti celebrations, with traditional folk dances such as Kavadi Attam and Mayil Attam (peacock dance) being performed to express devotion to Lord Murugan. These cultural performances create a vibrant atmosphere filled with joy and spiritual energy that uplifts the hearts of the devotees. In addition to processions and cultural performances, Skanda Sashti also features special events such as spiritual discourses, bhajans (devotional singing), and religious gatherings where devotees come together to listen to stories about Lord Murugan’s valor and seek inspiration for their own spiritual journey.
The festival brings communities together in a spirit of unity and devotion as they celebrate the triumph of good over evil.
Pilgrimage to Murugan temples
Powerful Spiritual Centers
These temples are believed to be powerful spiritual centers where devotees can experience the divine presence of Lord Murugan and receive his grace.
Devotees perform rituals such as abhishekam (ritual bathing) and archana (offering prayers) at these temples as a way of expressing their devotion and seeking divine intervention in their lives. The atmosphere at these temples during Skanda Sashti is filled with fervent prayers, chanting of hymns, and offerings made by devotees who come from far and wide to seek the blessings of Lord Murugan.
A Spiritual and Cultural Experience
Pilgrimage to Murugan temples during Skanda Sashti is not only a way for devotees to seek spiritual solace but also an opportunity for them to connect with their cultural heritage and strengthen their faith in Lord Murugan.
A Journey of Spiritual Purification
The journey to these sacred temples is seen as a form of spiritual purification and renewal that allows devotees to deepen their bond with the deity.
Modern day observance of Skanda Sashti
In modern times, Skanda Sashti continues to be observed with great devotion by millions of devotees around the world. While the traditional rituals and customs associated with the festival are still practiced with reverence, there has also been a modernization of celebrations with cultural events, music concerts, and spiritual discourses being organized to engage younger generations in the festivities. The festival has also gained international recognition with Skanda Sashti being celebrated in countries outside India where there are significant Tamil communities.
In Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, South Africa, Canada, Australia, Europe, and the United States, Skanda Sashti is observed with traditional fervor by Tamil Hindus who have preserved their cultural heritage through generations. In addition to traditional observances, modern technology has also played a role in spreading awareness about Skanda Sashti through social media platforms, live streaming of temple events, and online forums where devotees can share their experiences and seek guidance on how to observe the festival in their respective communities. Overall, Skanda Sashti continues to be a time for spiritual renewal, cultural celebration, and communal harmony as devotees come together to honor the valor of Lord Murugan and seek his blessings for success and prosperity in their lives.
The festival serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Lord Murugan’s triumph over evil forces and inspires devotees to face their own challenges with courage and faith.
If you are interested in learning more about Lord Murugan and the Festival of Skanda Sashti, you may also want to read about the places to visit near Masani Amman Anaimalai. This article provides insights into the significance of the temple and the surrounding area, which is closely related to the worship of Lord Murugan. You can find more information about it here.